Reading: Philippians
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus(Phil. 3:12-14).
Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved (4:1). The church at Philippi was near and dear to Paul’s heart. Paul felt a special kinship with this robust community of faith that he’d helped found during his second missionary journey (Acts 16:12-40). In the eyes of the world, this church did not have much going for it. Most of its members were desperately poor, and they were constantly harassed and attacked by neighbors who felt threatened by the gospel of Christ. Yet, instead of allowing this to deter them, they remained united in their faith. They were committed to spreading the Gospel (Phil. 4:15-18), and they gave liberally, of their own accord, to ease the poverty of others (II Cor. 8:1-5). It is little wonder then that the letter they received from Paul was one of joy and encouragement. These courageous souls truly understood what it meant to live in Christ (Gal. 2:20), and Paul rejoiced in their faith.
Paul urged them to stay strong and encouraged them to remember that they belonged to God, not the world. He reminded them that, as citizens of heaven (Phil. 3:20), they were correct in holding themselves to a higher moral standard than the unsaved masses. Still, he cautioned them not to go overboard. They needed to remember that salvation did not equal instant perfection. He stressed that, while they should always strive to do their best to live as Christ lived, perfection (never sinning, ever!) would only be attained after they received the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus that awaited them when they entered the kingdom of God.
Immediately after we give ourselves to God, we feel fresh, pure, and invincible. We are convinced that being ‘good’ from then on will be easy. We pay lip service to the phrase "we are all sinners," but we are confident that although we used to be a sinner, we aren't any longer. This euphoria lasts until the first time we slip up. We make the wrong choice and are almost immediately overcome with guilt and confusion. We are not alone in this. Even the Apostle Paul had periods of weakness: For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I (Rom. 7:15). We wonder, can God forgive us, when we knew better? Are we still saved? The answer to both questions is a resounding YES! If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:9). Remember, perfection is a process that won't happen overnight—or even in our lifetime on this earth. Still, that is not a reason for us to despair. God has promised all that obediently place their faith in Him that, through His grace, we WILL stand, sanctified and perfect, before His heavenly throne.
For by one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified (Heb. 10:14).
Thought for Today: Those who find themselves not favored by the world have something in common with Christ.
Cross Reference: For Phil. 2:7: See Is. 42:1.
Word Studies: 1:7 meet = right; 1:8 my record = my witness; bowels = affections; 1:14 waxing confident = gaining confidence; 1:22 wot = know; 1:23 in a strait betwixt two = hard pressed between the two; 1:28 an evident token of perdition = evidence of impending destruction; 2:3.
Pray For Staff:Tifany Parisi • Government Official: Rep.French Hill (AR) • Country: Korea, South (49,039,986) Eastern Asia • Major Languages: Korean, English • Religious Freedom • 24% Protestant; 7.6% Roman Catholic; 24.2% Buddhist; 0.9% Other/Unknown; 43.3% None • Prayer Suggestion: Give praise to God that His Word will stand forever (Is. 40:8).